Gov. Blunt to join board of auto salvage company

JEFFERSON CITY — Gov. Matt Blunt will be helping to run an auto salvage company when he leaves office.

Copart Inc. announced Friday that Blunt will be joining its board of directors on Jan. 13 — the day after Blunt's term as governor ends.

A Blunt spokesman confirmed the new job.

Copart, based in Fairfield, Calif., says it helps sell more than 1 million vehicles a year to dismantlers, rebuilders, exporters, used car dealers and — in some states — to consumers. Many of the cars have been damaged and deemed a total loss by insurance companies.

The company's proxy statement says its directors are paid $50,000 a year and are eligible to receive company stock.

Blunt spokesman Rich Chrismer says the governor also is exploring other employment options after leaving office.